How Alexander Zverev Consulted Andy Roddick Before The Best Year Of His Career

In December last year, Alexander Zverev, a 28-year-old German tennis player, reached out to Andy Roddick, a 21-year-old American who had recently won the U.S. Open. Zverev, who had not yet won a Grand Slam singles title, was 0-3 in major finals, losing the 2020 U.S. Open final to Dominic Thiem, the 2024 Roland Garros final to Carlos Alcaraz, and the 2025 Australian Open final to Jannik Sinner. The two met for a lengthy discussion, lasting close to two hours.

Roddick, who had lost four major finals to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, was impressed by Zverev's honesty during their conversation. Zverev admitted to having 'yips' on his serve and choking during the 2020 U.S. Open final. He also mentioned that he believed winning two matches on a Friday and Sunday would define his career. Roddick was surprised at how matter-of-factly aware Zverev was about his limitations and goals.

Since the conversation, Zverev's confidence on the court has improved, and he now has a chance to win his second major of the year against Ben Shelton in the semifinals. Roddick believes that Zverev's success is remarkable, given his struggles with Type 1 diabetes and the need to check his blood sugar levels and inject insulin during matches. Roddick is fascinated to see how Zverev's career will unfold next, either by winning a second major or by Ben Shelton ending the American drought of 23 years in major titles.